Bangalore: After 183 days, Metro chugs to a mixed bag

BANGALORE: The Reach I of Namma Metro, although used a political card during its inauguration, has in many ways impacted the city. Reaching out to only 6.7 km of the central business district, the Reach I has had a rocky ride in the last six months.But in many ways, Bangaloreans are pleased that there is finally a public transport, that is sophisticated, accessible, economical and safe. Bangalore’s public transport history began with private buses, before the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation introduced buses.Then the autorickshaws charted a different chapter in the history of the city’s public transport system. However, over the years auto drivers were branded to be rude and reckless and often blamed for fleecing customers. The Metro has been portrayed to fill in the quintessential gap between autos and BMTC buses. But in six months, has Namma Metro managed to fill in the gap - both in terms of fares and quality?As the Namma Metro Reach I completes six months of operations, Express presents you a half yearly report card of the Metro, as interpreted by prominent Bangaloreans.